FREEDOM IN THE MOUNTAIN WIND - Misty M Beller - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I love books by Misty M Beller. I’m thrilled to introduce you to the new one that released today. You can’t go wrong with choosing a Misty M Beller book. This new book is the first one in a new series.

Bio: Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty's heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God's abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters. 

Do you have a favorite genre to write? If so, what is it?

I tend to be a bit of a sentimentalist, so Christian Historical Romance is perfect for me. I love the simpler life, where there's no rat race. Just hard work, plenty of alone time (can you tell I'm an introvert?), and a strong family unit. My stories usual center around horses and mountains, which comes from my love for animals and being outside. I was completely horse crazy growing up, and actually trained and showed horses professionally for a couple years after high school.

If you didn’t live in the part of the country where you do, where would you live?

We live in South Carolina and I love being surrounded by all our family here. But if I had to choose another part of the country, it would be Montana, especially the western part of the country where the mountains are. I think that might be one of the most beautiful places in the world!

One of my best friends lives in Montana with her daughter and son-in-law. I’d love to visit there. I did write a Christmas novella set there. What foreign country would you like to visit and why?

My daughters and I made a list of places we hope to visit one day, but my top choice would be Italy. The scenery there is breathtaking!

Describe what you think would be the most romantic vacation you could take.

Hmm…with four small kids, my husband and I don’t often talk about romantic vacations. They would be dreams far into the future! Maybe a tropical island (my husband loves the beach), or maybe Italy!

Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done yet?

I’ve often thought about setting a book in Alaska—a place even more remote and with bigger mountains than my Montana settings!

What is the main theme of this novel?

One of the things God was teaching me as I wrote this story was how we can’t accomplish His plan for our lives without growing through the hard times. He uses each trial and wilderness period to develop in us the skills and maturity we’ll need to step forward into what he has next for us. This is a theme woven through Freedom in the Mountain Wind, and one I continue to realize more and more!

Tell us about the story.

I’d love to!

Susanna Wilkins will do anything to make her father’s final dream come true, including trek along the path Lewis and Clark explored into the untamed wilds of the Rocky Mountains. Every mile is more crucial now that lung cancer is stealing Pa’s last days faster than she can come to terms with losing him. The journey becomes harder than she ever expected, but paddling upriver through fierce rapids and fighting hungry grizzlies isn’t what terrifies her the most.

Beaver Tail endured more than he can stand from the women in his Blackfoot camp, but the last disaster gave him the final shove he needed to join this band of brothers searching for one of their group who’s gone missing. The last thing he expected was to find a white woman and her sick father stranded at the base of a massive waterfall. His plan is to help them carry their oversize canoe and supplies, then leave them to their strange mission. Yet, the more he learns about the pair, the more he realizes his life is about to be derailed—again.

Sounds like my kind of story. Please give us the first page of the book.

AUGUST, 1830

FALLS OF THE MISSOURI, FUTURE MONTANA TERRITORY

They’d made it.

Susanna Wilkins stared across the rolling hills, her gaze seeking snow-capped peaks rising in the distance. But the Rocky Mountains couldn’t be seen from this point.

As much as this felt like the end of the journey—the final destination—she and her father had barely finished the beginning. The first part of this trip was nothing compared to the long journey ahead. As long as she could convince her father to keep going.

She turned back to the river as she dug her paddle into the water again, sweeping the liquid behind their dingy. The thick scattering of rock around them meant they must be nearing the first of the Great Falls.

Captains Lewis and Clark had written of this stretch of the Missouri. Had been overjoyed when they reached it, especially when Captain Lewis trekked on ahead of the party and laid eyes on the massive waterfall she and her father would surely find a little farther upriver.

Yet for those explorers who’d come almost three decades before, the effort of having to carry their boats and supplies around each of the falls had nearly brought death to the soldiers. Big, strapping men had been laid low by the work ahead.

What in heaven’s name made her think she and Pa could manage the same? Yet she had to, or else Pa would insist they turn around and journey back to civilization. Give up the dream he’d craved as long as she could remember.

She couldn’t let him do that. Not when this was his last chance.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love to connect at my website, Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, Bookbub, and Pinterest. 

Thank you, Misty, for allowing us to be part of your book’s release. I’m eager to read it.

Readers, here is a link to the book.

Freedom in the Mountain Wind (Call of the Rockies Book 1) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

DOUBLE JEOPARDY - Donna Schlachter - One Free Ebook

Welcome back, Donna. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

I’m hoping this book will be a stepping-stone to writing and publishing full-length historical mysteries. I love the genre, and so many readers have told me they also enjoy the combination of history and mystery.

Tell us a little about your family.

I am married to a wonderful man who was a grandfather when we wed, so I am also “mom” to two beautiful daughters and 11 grands. I am the oldest of 5, daughter of a nurse and an engineer, who somehow managed to get everything backwards. I finished college at 36, learned to swim at 37, married at 40, first published at 48, learned to paint at 60, ate s’mores for the first time at 61, and now celebrating a book launch at 61½ .

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Writing changed my reading habits in an irritating way: if I see a typo anywhere, even on a billboard, it grates on me like fingernails on a blackboard.

What are you working on right now?

My next book will be part of a collection featuring damsels and covered wagons.

What outside interests do you have?

I love to paint using oil. My studio is my “happy place.”

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I choose places where I’ve been. And then I look around for mysteries or unanswered questions in those areas.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?

Dame Agatha Christie. I’d pick her brain and find out what stories she never got the chance to write.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

That it doesn’t end with one completed novel. The stories still scream to come out, even after almost 30 novels and novellas.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

Patience. With myself. With Him. And anger management. Too often I let my frustration control me.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Read. Write. Go to conferences.

Tell us about the featured book. 

In May of 1880, Becky Campbell leaves her wealthy New York lifestyle in search of her father, only to learn he was murdered in the small town of Silver Valley, Colorado. Unable to return to her mother in humiliation and defeat, she determines to fulfill her father’s dream—to make the Double Jeopardy profitable. Zeke Graumann, a local rancher, is faced with a hard decision regarding his land and his dream. After several years of poor weather and low cattle prices, he will either have to take on a job to help pay his overhead expenses, or sell his land. He hires on with this Easterner for two reasons: he can’t turn his back on a damsel in distress. And he needs the money. Becky isn’t certain Zeke is all he claims to be, and after a series of accidents at her mine, wonders if he isn’t behind it, trying to get her to sell out so he can take over. Zeke finds many of Becky’s qualities admirable and fears he’s losing his heart to her charms, but also recognizes she was never cut out to be a rancher’s wife. Can Becky overcome her mistrust of Zeke, find her father’s killer, and turn her mine into a profitable venture—before her mother arrives in town, thinking she’s coming for her daughter’s wedding? And will Zeke be forced to give up his dream and lose his land in order to win Becky’s heart?

Please give us the first page of the book.

1880 Silver Valley, Colorado

Dead. Dead as her dreams and her hopes.

Dead as a doornail, as her mother would say.

Just thinking about the woman drove a steel rod through Becky Campbell’s slumping back.

Perched on a chair in the sheriff’s office, she drew a deep breath, lifted her shoulders, and raised her chin a notch. She would not be like the woman who birthed her. Pretty and pampered. A silly socialite finding nothing better to do with her days than tea with the mayor’s spinster daughter or bridge with the banker’s wife.

No, she’d much rather be like her father. Adventuresome. Charismatic. Always on the lookout for the next big thing.

Now her breath came in a shudder, and down went her shoulders again. She tied her fingers into knots before looking up at the grizzled lawman across the desk from her. “There’s no chance there’s been a mistake in identification, is there?”

He slid open the top drawer of his desk and pulled out a pocket watch, a lapel pin, and a fountain pen, which he pushed across the desk to her. “He was pretty well-known around here. I’m really

sorry, miss.”

Becky picked up the timepiece and flicked open the cover. Inside was a photograph of her family, taken about ten years earlier when she was a mere child of eight and Father stayed around long enough to sit still for the portrait. Her mother, petite and somber, and she, all ringlets and ribbons. She rubbed a finger across the engraving. To R. Love M. Always.

Yes, this was his.

I love history and mysteries. How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.HiStoryThruTheAges.wordpress.com

www.HiStoryThruTheAges.com Receive a free ebook simply for signing up for our free newsletter!

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DonnaschlachterAuthor

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DonnaSchlachter

Books: Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ci5Xqq and Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2gZATjm

What Can Be Online University: online courses on the craft of writing

Etsy online shop of original artwork, book folding art, and gift items

Thank you, Donna, for sharing this book for my blog readers and me. I'm eager to read it.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the ebook. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

WINNERS!!

IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners  - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.

Caryl (TX) is the winner of Deadly Diaries by C E Waterman.

Jen (HI) is the winner of The Year of the Barbarian by Ann Boyles.

If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble, or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.

Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... and this blog. Thank you.

Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:
Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.

If you won an ebook or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to.Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.

HIDDEN SECRETS - Janet Sketchley - One Free Book

Welcome back, Janet. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

Prayer and forgiveness are recurring themes in my books. And while fiction is about the characters solving their own problems without miracles saving the day, I like to show characters of faith remembering God is with them even in crisis and looking for the help they believe He will give. It’s a good reminder to all of us to rely on His loving presence in our own lives. I often sign books with the phrase, “Whatever happens, Jesus will be there.”

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

There are four more stories in the Green Dory Inn Mystery series, and I’m deep into plotting the next one. It doesn’t concern the inn directly like the first two books have, but Landon is still based there. She’s involved in a mystery with Ciara, a minor character to date. Anyone who’s familiar with the series will know these two women have a strained relationship. As for me, I have a strained relationship with Ciara’s Chihuahua, Moxie. We’ll see how that turns out! We’ll also see if Landon and Bobby can get started on a relationship. I’ve extended this series from four to six books because they’re such slow movers.

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

Jen Ledger, from the band Skillet. I listened to an interview with her last year, and I’d love to hear more from her on fear and faith.

What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

Nathanael of Cana. The one in the Bible who went from a derisive “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” to “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” (John 1:46 and 49, NIV) If he’d permit me, I’d love to ask what happened while he was under the fig tree when Jesus said He saw him.

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

Keep writing, and keep learning your craft. Serve God (and your characters) by making the best story you can make. If at all possible, attend writers’ conferences where you can meet not only the types of publishers and/or agents who accept your type of writing, but also other writers who can be encouraging companions on this long and often difficult journey. Take time with the Lord in prayer and waiting, to discern any changes in direction He may have for your writing. Ask Him, too, to reveal any attitudes He may want to address. It’s dangerously easy for our desire to be published to take first place in our hearts, and that place is His. Choose to trust His timing and to persevere in writing so you’ll be ready when opportunities come along. And think back to why you started writing—recapture the pleasure of the craft if it’s waning. We can’t control the outcome, but we can choose to enjoy the process. [As an indie author, let me add that if you decide to go indie, be sure to hire a skilled editor and cover artist as well as any other freelance professionals you need to produce a quality book.]

Very good advice, especially to indie authors. Tell us about the featured book.

The secrets of Captain Hiltz may not have died with him.

When Landon Smith returns to the Green Dory Inn, she finds innkeeper Anna Young still shaken by the recent vandalism and unable to cope when the inn is targeted in an online vendetta. Prickly neighbour Bobby Hawke can help with Anna’s cyber woes, but when the attacks escalate to physical threats, Landon and Bobby must work together to unmask the culprit.

A cryptic message about a tunnel points to the property’s original owner, a notorious Prohibition-era sea captain rumoured to have left hidden wealth. Contraband, treasure, evidence of things better left buried…

How far will Anna’s enemy go to claim the tunnel and its contents? Protecting Anna will require courage and faith as Landon battles the locals’ attitudes and the scars of her past. Even then, she and Bobby are tracing the faintest of clues. With Anna on the brink of emotional collapse—and danger rising like the tide—time is running out.

Sounds interesting. Please give us the first page of the book.

The air in the university hallway hung thick with dust and summer heat. Dead, even though light glowed through windows in a few office doors.

Landon moistened her lips and drew a deep breath. The polished brass nameplate with its precise black letters reflected her anxiety back at her. Magnified, like a distorting mirror in a creepy carnival. She tried again to calm her thumping heart. Professor Tallin wouldn’t have agreed to this meeting if there’d been no hope.

She rapped on the frosted glass pane. Assertive, but not demanding. Tallin should approve.

“Come.”

At the brisk command, she eased open the door, the handle slick beneath her sweaty palm, and stepped inside to beg for her future.

The woman behind the plain wooden desk could have doubled as a department store mannequin, with her expressionless face and long white arms. Close-cropped dark hair, ice-blue silk blouse. Except a store display would complete the outfit with a coordinating necklace or wispy scarf. She focused on her laptop screen, eyes tracking side to side. Eventually, she snapped the laptop shut and pinned Landon with a cool stare. “Yes?”

Here are links to the book:
https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Secrets-Green-Dory-Mystery/dp/0995197083/ - Paperback
https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Secrets-Green-Dory-Mystery-ebook/dp/B07TXRFT84/ - Kindle

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is https://janetsketchley.ca/

Readers are invited to sign up for my newsletter at bit.ly/JanetSketchleyNews or to follow me on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/janet-sketchley

Here are a few other places I can be found:

Facebook: fb.me/JanetSketchley.author

Goodreads: goodreads.com/janetsketchley

Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/author/janetsketchley

Twitter: twitter.com/JanetSketchley

Pinterest: pinterest.com/janetsketchley/

Thank you, Janet, for sharing this book with us. I’m eager to read it.

Readers,  leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

My Christmas Story for 2019 - and more

The Amnesiac’s Christmas Surprise

By Lena Nelson Dooley

Carlos began to awaken from a dark place. He gradually became aware of pain in many parts of his body. An anvil pounded in his head. When he started to turn, a pain shot through his brain like a razor-sharp sword. He slowly lifted one hand. As he did, he realized something was wrong with his shoulder. He couldn’t remember having an accident. Actually, he couldn’t remember anything, except his first name.

After dropping that hand to his side, he felt around, trying to reach his covers. And the hand felt like a giant ice cube, as did whatever he was lying on. Hard … wet … slick and frigid. He was able to lift his other hand without much pain. He gently walked his fingers around his skull until he encountered a lump the size of a goose egg. How did he know what size it was? He slowly opened his eyes.

No wonder he was freezing. He wasn’t home in bed. He couldn’t even remember where his home was. Nothing looked familiar in this strange world filled with swirling … snowflakes? He closed his eyes to keep them out. Since he evidently wasn’t indoors, where was his coat? Surely he wore one today.

He wiggled his toes, and the pain in them was excruciating. Where were his shoes? Had he died and gone to hell? No … hell was supposed to be hot. He’d welcome some of that heat right about now.

“Hey, buddy. You okay?” An unfamiliar voice called to him.

Carlos couldn’t see where it was coming from. Was it a ghost? Was he in purgatory?

How did he know what either of those things were?

He wanted to relax, but he was afraid that if he did, he would die for sure.

A man hunkered beside him. He could hear him breathing. He opened one eye to peek at the man.

“Good. You’re awake.” Kindness radiated from the face peering at him.

While Carlos stared at the man, he took off his heavy coat and covered him with it.

“I live a short distance from here. My brother-in-law is visiting us, and he’s a doctor. I’ll go get him to help me take you to our house.” The man’s eyes closed. “Lord, please protect this man until Brian and I can get back.”

Carlos followed his progress down the road. He could barely make out the lighted house in the distance. Although he was still cold and hurting, he felt calmer while he waited. Soon the warmth from the coat helped him relax, and his eyes slipped closed.

The sound of a vehicle approaching pulled him from the darkness. It stopped close by.

“We’re back.” The kind voice hovered above him. He opened his eyes and saw two men hunkered beside him. One on either side.

The new man ran his hands over Carlos’s body. Carlos moaned whenever it hurt.

“I don’t think anything is broken.” Soothing words washed over him. “We brought a blanket, and we’re going to move you onto it, then put you in the back seat of the car.”

Even though it was very uncomfortable as they proceeded, Carlos felt hope that soon things would change. They reached the house just as a bright red pickup truck parked beside them. A very tall, brawny man in a cowboy hat stepped out. The three men quickly had him in the house and onto a cow-patterned leather couch. After the cold pavement, the cushioned comfort enveloped him.

“I’m Bradley Norton, the pastor of the Cowboy Church.” The man who’d found him smiled down at him. “And this giant is one of my deacons, Lane Hamilton.”

Brian, the doctor, gave Carlos a thorough examination. “We have to warm you up as quickly as we can. Even though your extremities are very cold, I don’t see signs of frostbite yet.”

Two women entered the room carrying blankets.

“We put these in the dryer to warm them up when Bradley came home.” She smiled at his rescuer.

Bradley took the blankets the blonde held, and the men tucked covers close around him.

“That’s my wife, Beverly.” He nodded toward the woman whose arms were now empty.

The redhead handed him her blankets, too.

“And this is my sister, Mary.”

He mumbled thanks to them as his eyes slid shut once again. Oh, the bliss of finally being warm.

For five days, Carlos stayed with the Nortons. Dr. Brian took care of his body, and everyone tried to help him remember. Nothing they did triggered a single memory. Why had he been laying on the pavement with no coat and no shoes? How did he get there, so far out in the country? Where did he come from?

During this time, his physical injuries improved. Several members of the Cowboy Church came by with clothes for him—jeans, western shirts, a Stetson, boots, and even packages of new underwear. Lane Hamilton brought him a winter-weight duster to wear over everything. Although these clothes fit him, he didn’t really feel like he’d ever worn anything like this before.

They even watched the news on TV, hoping to hear about a Carlos who was missing. Not one was mentioned.

While he ate breakfast on Sunday, Brian joined him. “No pressure, but would you like to go to church with us? It’s the last Sunday before Christmas.”

“Sure.” He shrugged. “Why not? I haven’t been out of the house since you found me.”

A sunny smile spread across the preacher’s face. “I’m going early, but you can come with Beverly.”

When they arrived at the white clapboard church with a steeple pointing to heaven, Beverly went to sit on a pew near the front. Carlos chose one in the back. The room soon filled with cowboy families. Some of the ones who had help him stopped to speak to him.

When it came time for Brian to preach, he nodded at the congregation. “You might think my message strange for a Christmas Sunday, but I felt God would have me share this one. We all know the story of the prodigal son, but we’re going to look at it a little differently today. I believe Jesus shared this parable to teach us an important truth. He wanted us to know why He came to earth as a baby. It was so that we would understand that the Father in Heaven would welcome each of with open arms as the father in the story did.”

As Brian continued with his message, Carlos realized that his own heart was cold as marble. Sometime in his past, he’d built a strong wall around it. Maybe that was the reason he couldn’t remember who he was. As the message continued, a tiny crack burned in that wall from the top to the bottom, as if it had been struck by lightning. Soon the crack widened, and memories poured out like a waterfall. His anger at his father, because he didn’t feel he could ever measure up to the man’s expectations. He’d left home and had never returned. Everything he accomplished in his life was to show the man how wrong he had been. But his father never knew.

Now he realized he was Carlos Shelton. He’d been successful in his life. Many people believed he had it made, but his life was empty.

Then he remembered the carjacking. He’d stopped to help two men who were hitchhiking. In the process, they had cold-cocked him. Hence the lump on his head. They’d stolen his car, his cell phone, his wallet, his shoes, and his coat—leaving him for dead on the pavement.

As Brian continued his story, the return of the prodigal and the way the father accepted him made Carlos yearn for something like that to happen for him. Before the service ended, Brian gave an invitation for anyone who wanted to meet Jesus this week. More than anything, Carlos did. He made his way to the altar at the front.

When they returned to the house for Sunday dinner, Carlos told them about his memories flooding back. After they ate, they looked him up on the Internet. There he was, so successful in the eyes of the world, but without any real friends, his stone-cold heart had been empty.

They discussed his lack of a relationship with his father. They looked him up, too. Carlos was amazed by what he saw. The strong man he remembered was only a shadow of what he used to be. In the latest pictures, his eyes were filled with deep sorrow.

Brian looked at Carlos, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Maybe God gave me my sermon today just for you.”

Carlos nodded. “I believe you’re right. I’ll leave right now to return to my father. Maybe he’ll forgive me for abandoning him like a coward.”

When he arrived at the estate, the security guard greeted him and opened the gates to let him enter. Evidently, the man called his father, because he was standing on the wide front porch. He looked grim, but as Carlos drove closer, he rushed down the steps and met the car with his arms open wide. He didn’t even give his son time to get out of the vehicle. He hurried around and opened the driver’s door as soon as the vehicle stopped. He pulled Carlos into a tight hug, and tears streamed down his cheeks, wetting the western shirt Carlos wore.

“My son, I’ve searched for you ever since you left.” He turned toward the open doorway of the mansion where the butler stood. “Have Cook prepare all my son’s favorite foods for supper. Tonight we celebrate!”

The house didn’t look as if it were almost Christmas. There were no Christmas trees … or lights …or tinsel. Carlos decided that he’d make sure the mansion looked the way it did when his mother was alive. He had a couple of days to get that taken care of.

Carlos swallowed his own sobs as they walked arm-in-arm toward their new life.

© Copyright 2019, Lena Nelson Dooley 

In 1984, soon after God told me to become a professional writer, (You can read the testimony of that on the About Me page of this blog or my website: www.lenanelsondooley.com ) He also told me to use the gift He had given me to bless people at Christmas. I've only missed 2 or 3 years since then. I published the first 24 in this book:

available in the Amazon Kindle store. The price has been cut in half this year.

There have been 8 stories since this book was published. If you buy or have bought a copy of 24 Christmases, let me know in the comments, and I'll email you copies of all 8 stories. If you want extra protection for your email, send it this way. I'll demonstrate with my email. safe [hyphen] LDwrites [at] flash [dot] net

Also, next year, I will start sending both our family newsletter and the Christmas story through email instead of mailing them. Of course, for people who don't have email, we'll continue mailing them. I'm compiling a Christmas emailing list. If you want to be added, leave a comment with your email address and say whether you want the story or the story and newsletter.

I hope your 2020 started off with good things and that it will continue through the year.

TALITHA, THE TRAVELING SKIRT - Becky Van Vleet - One Free Book

Dear Readers, as a great-grandmother to seven children from 13 down to a 1 year old, I love buying books for all of them and reading the books to the little ones. Today’s book is a picture book I love.

Welcome, Becky. What has drawn you to writing for children? 

Having been an elementary teacher and later a principal, and reading aloud to eight grandchildren these days, I can’t put enough emphasis on the benefits and the joy of reading aloud to young ones. So naturally, as I set about to capture a true family story into book form, I just knew my target audience would be children.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

When I was a young mother, I cheered for my four daughters at swim meets and ran them back and forth for swim practice. As for me, I never learned to swim as a child, so I finally took swim lessons as a young mother many years ago. In the summer of 2019, I told my adult daughters, “It’s my turn!” I entered the Rocky Mountain State Games for two swimming events as a 65-year-old grandmother—it was great, and yes, a little quirky for me!

Way to go! When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I don’t know that I can pinpoint a specific time in my life. But what I do know is that I taught 6th and 8th grade writing classes, and I realized that my own writing kept improving.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I enjoy reading historical and contemporary fiction and biographies as well as romance. And I very much enjoy reading children’s books, even to myself!

I love reading good children’s books, too. What other books have you written, whether published or not?

Talitha, the Traveling Skirt is my only published book to date, although I have a companion book ready to submit for publication, Harvey, the Traveling Harmonica. I have also written A Dog’s Best Friend which is unpublished at this time.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I would say my age has naturally slowed me down and I can’t argue with my age! As I have put on the brakes, I can now invest more time into my family and hobbies, and especially reading, all of which keep me sane and stable.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of, besides family?

I would have to say that I am most proud of the publication of my first children’s book, Talitha, the Traveling Skirt. I was able to preserve a true family story which was my goal.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I really just want to be a human being, myself, Becky, as the way God made me. But I think this is a fun question for the imagination! If I could become a bird, I would enjoy the “bird’s eye view” looking down upon the world.

What is your favorite food?

I have so many favorite foods, but I will have to go with pork chops.

Is it hard to break into the children’s market?

I really don’t know. I submitted Talitha, the Traveling Skirt only one time to one publisher, Elk Lake Publishing Inc., and they offered me a contract within a month. It was a lucky break for me, or really, I should say it was a blessing.

What advice would you give to an author wanting to do that?

I would encourage all potential children’s book authors to not give up. If one publisher rejects, try another. And Indie and self-publishing paths are great options as well.

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

There is a story behind the story of Talitha, the Traveling Skirt, which can be found on my website at www.beckyvanvleet.com. We have had a little skirt traveling around in our family since 1948, more than 70 years, three generations. To create an imaginary tale appealing to children, I personified the skirt as the main character. My very talented illustrator, Courtney Smith, captures the passage of time in her detailed illustrations. My children’s book sparks imagination, family traditions, children, adventure, and family life, and is geared for ages 3-8. The story ends with simple discussion questions, and I believe wholesome family discussions about traditions and family life will be generated when this book is used as a read-aloud.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

You can find me on FB, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn as well as my website at www.beckyvanvleet.com.  The tagline for my website is “Where Creating and Preserving Memories Happen.” If you are into family memories, traditions, connecting one generation to another, please check out my website! I welcome your family ideas so that I can share with my readers. As a baby boomer, I believe it is important for my generation to encourage the generations after us to share stories and create new traditions.

Thank you, Becky, for sharing this new book with my blog readers and me.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Talitha, the Traveling Skirt - Paperback
Talitha, the Traveling Skirt - Hardback
Talitha, the Traveling Skirt - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

WINNERS!!

IMPORTANT: Instructions for winners  - When you send me the email, make sure your subject line says this: Winner - (book title) - (author's name) If you don't do this, your email could get lost in my hundreds of emails per day. I WILL SEARCH FOR POST TITLES STARTING THAT WAY.

Zack (CO) is the winner of High Deceit by C E Waterman.

Stacey (MN) is the winner of When Valleys Bloom Again by Pat Jeanne Davis.

If you won a book and you like it, please consider giving the author the courtesy of writing a review on Goodreads, Amazon.com, Christianbooks.com, Barnes and Noble, or other Internet sites. Reviews are such a blessing to an author.

Also, tell your friends about the book you won ... and this blog. Thank you.

Congratulations, everyone. If you won a print book, send me your mailing address:
Click the Contact Me link at the top of the blog, and send me an Email.

If you won an ebook or audio book, just let me know what email address it should be sent to.Remember, you have 4 weeks to claim your book.

THE YEAR OF THE BARBARIAN - Ann Boyles - One Free Book

Dear Readers, for our first interview in the new year and new decade is the debut novel of a special woman. Ann has won several awards on her way to publication. I’m thrilled to be able to introduce her and her novel to you.

Welcome, Ann. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

The female protagonist, Sumi, resembles me a lot. She has a natural reserve she must overcome to satisfy her longings for adventure and a greater purpose in life. Without a meaningful relationship with God, I would have that same powerful yearning. Also, the characters’ relationships include my notions of how romance blossoms in people’s lives.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I guess petting a wild monkey in Japan was pretty quirky. At least, my friend yelled for me to stop so I wouldn’t get bitten.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I discovered I could write nonfiction in high school when a teacher and a newspaper reporter praised my work, but for many years I didn’t do much writing other than lesson plans and curriculum development. Becoming a finalist and then winner in two fiction contests encouraged me in my efforts to write stories.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

My enjoyment depends more on the quality of the writing than on the genre, so I have a huge range. My favorite genres, however, are historical/historical romance and nonfiction biographies.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I read the Bible and pray every morning. However, I often get swept up in the multitude of tasks. Then I have to remember God’s presence and to take things one step at a time. I’m thankful each day is a new one.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Since the stories are set in Japan, I consulted Japanese friends about suitable names for samurai, servants, and officials for the series’ time period. Finding names that weren’t too difficult for American readers complicated the choices. I wanted a classic type of name for the American protagonist and settled on John Cardiff. The capital city of Wales is Cardiff, so it’s an old British-sounding name.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Through the years, I’ve cherished the ability to relate well to international students, and that gift helped me develop the Intensive English programs at two universities and write tales with an international setting.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I’d be a dog because I would have a decent chance of getting a good, warm home with nice humans. Today’s chilly, damp weather may be influencing me.

What is your favorite food?

It’s hard to narrow it down because I haven’t met a dessert I didn’t like. Right now, I’ll say ice cream and the Japanese soft, rice-ball candies but that could change with the next meal.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

When a friend at a high school reunion read an early draft of mine, she kindly told me I had to find a critique group. I soon learned that I was trying to write fiction like a nonfiction writer. Since I didn’t know anything about writing fiction, I had to revise my first story each time I learned a new skill—an astronomical number of times.

Tell us about the featured book.

The Year of the Barbarian, set in mid-nineteen century Japan, is the first book in the Dragonfly Trilogy. Sumi Taguchi, a samurai’s daughter, eagerly anticipates the arrival of foreigners from the West and the end of Japan’s centuries-long isolation from the world. She hopes these foreigners—if they turn out to be truly civilized—will bring answers to life’s troublesome riddles. But to be free to meet these newcomers, she must first avoid a nightmarish betrothal and the fallout from her rash curiosity.

The young New York merchant, John Cardiff, risks his inheritance by sailing to the far side of the world. His fascination with Japan leads to a dangerous trading venture. As trouble mounts, he dreads the shipwreck not only of his ship but also of his life.

Please give us the first page of the book.

July 1855 (Year of the Rabbit), Nagasaki, Japan

A hungry mosquito flew under the hem of Sumi Taguchi’s kimono and attacked her ankle. She dared not swat it while old Suzuki-sensei, her tutor, knelt ramrod straight on the cushion opposite her, expounding the virtues found in the Tale of the Heike.

“With true samurai spirit, Lady Nii took the seven-year-old Emperor’s arm and propelled both of them off the ship and into the foaming sea.” A hint of enthusiasm colored his recitation. “Emperor Antoku’s mother leapt in after them, intending to save her son’s life, not his honor.”

 

The mosquito bite itched, but Sumi held firm. She would not lick her lips. She would not sway. And she would not allow a muscle’s quiver. If she concentrated on the fascinating account, she’d forget the urge to scratch. She was sure of it.

Suzuki closed the worn text and bowed. “I shall continue the history next week when the young student is able to concentrate.” He clamped his lips together.

“Sumimasen,” she apologized, her heart plummeting. She’d kept her eyes cast down and had held perfectly still. How did her tutor know that her mind wandered for a second?

Waiting a week to find out if the three drowned in the sea was disappointing, but worse was this newest failure. Now that she had turned fourteen, the standards for a samurai’s daughter rose impossibly high. In the last lesson, she had left out two phrases from her long recitation. In the lesson before that, Suzuki-sensei scolded her for asking a foolish question about whether women could be samurai in the Western countries. And in the prior weeks? Countless mistakes.

“Perhaps fresh air will improve your mind.” Suzuki’s knees creaked as he rose. “I shall observe your progress with your weapon.” He gestured toward the open panel and walked down the hall leading to her home’s back garden, his slight limp betraying his age of more than sixty years.

Following at a respectful distance, Sumi held her breath as they approached the closed panel leading to her grandfather’s room. Would her lapse be reported to the Eldest?

Suzuki hesitated a moment, then walked on, the tatami emitting soft puffs as he crossed them.

She practically tiptoed the rest of the way to the garden.

At Suzuki’s word, she grasped the lacquered black shaft of the naginata, a smooth, long spear ending in a curved steel blade, and then waited for his next order.

“Pick the ripest pear. Not one leaf with it.”

Squinting at the bright sky, she studied the nearby tree. The yellowest pear nestled close to the top on an inner bough. She’d never be able to avoid striking the branch. Yet she had to try.

Careful not to entangle a wisp of her long hair, she made a quick thrust at the pear. Amazingly, she hit it, but a twig full of leaves accompanied it into Suzuki’s outstretched hand.

“How many hours did you practice last week?” An icy politeness frosted his words.

“Seven hours. One . . . one each day.” She’d practiced early each morning before the summer heat siphoned her energy, and had endured the chore before breakfast, half-starved.

“Two hours a day this week, and three the next if you do no better. The spear must become an extension of your arm.”

Sumi bowed her assent. At that rate, no pear or branch would be left on the wretched tree. Maybe she could do imaginary battle with leaves instead of fruit, while melting under the sun.

Interesting. How can readers find you on the Internet?

https://elizabethannboyles.com

Thank you, Ann, for sharing this new book with my readers and me. I’m eager to read the rest of the story.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

My Word for 2020 - A New Year and A New Decade

Anticipation

What do you think of when you hear that word? It means looking forward to any event you know is going to happen. Or it can mean looking forward to believe in something new happening. Actually, to me, it means both things.

2019 has been one of the most difficult years our family has experienced. An unexpected tragedy, three months of dealing with Mohs skin cancer surgeries on James, an electrical problem in the hottest part of summer (no air conditioning in Texas in such a time is hard to deal with), my recent bout with horrible food poisoning, family members sick during the holidays. Things like that.

I've never been depressed, but I came close in the first half of the year. It really affected my ability to write, so no new books out this year.

So why would I feel anticipation? Because in every thing that happened, James and I could see God's hand on our lives. Things that shouldn't have happened for us did. We found God in the trenches with us. He loved on us. He lifted us up. He performed miracles. That's the God we love and serve.

My anticipation is for what I know God is going to do for us this year and for what He's going to do that we haven't imagined.

I pray that your relationship with Jesus will grow in depth and width this year and you can experience new miracles in your lives.

P.S. I will have some new information for you very soon. Keep looking for it.

DEADLY DIARIES - C E Waterman - One Free Book

Welcome back, C E. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I’ve always loved mysteries. I started with Boxcar Children, then Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys, then Agatha Christie. Since I love to read them, it seemed only natural for me to write them.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

When I had my kids and grandkids.

How has being published changed your life?

It made me believe that I am a real writer. The fact that someone thought my stories were good enough to put out there into the world has been a true blessing to me. It’s given me confidence to keep going.

What are you reading right now?

I’m reading a science fiction book called The Rook. It’s a fun book about people in the government with secret powers.

What is your current work in progress?

Another mystery in Pinion Creek, this one involves Tori and her twin sister Libby. There have been two murders, and the twins’ brother has been arrested for the crime.

What would be your dream vacation?

We’re actually going to Scotland in the spring. I can’t wait to see the green countryside, and all the things I read about in books.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

It’s sound advice to write what you know, so I chose a small town in the mountains of Colorado. I live in Colorado, and I patterned Pinion Creek off a mix between a real town called Estes Park, and a larger city like the one in Denver metro where I live.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

Marilyn Hickey. I feel she has so much wisdom to impart, and I could listen to her for hours.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love to play golf, eat out, and take walks in nature.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Finding time to write is difficult these days with a full time-plus job. It’s hard to switch my brain from the left analytical side that I need for my job to the right creative side. I’m not sure I’ve overcome it yet. Still working on it though!

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Keep learning. Go to every conference you can, read all the writing books you can get your hands on, and keep going even if it seems you aren’t getting anywhere. At the right time, God will bring it to pass if you don’t give up.

Very good advice. Tell us about the featured book.

Maggie Schreiber finds her Aunt Esther murdered in the quiet neighborhood of Pinon Heights. In order to deal with her loss, Maggie begins to read Aunt Esther's diaries, but before she gets far, most of the books are stolen. Then, her sister is attacked, and her house is set on fire. At the funeral, Esther's life was celebrated for her generosity and caring, but what was really going on with Aunt Esther? Can Maggie stay alive long enough to protect her sister and discover what secrets the diaries hold?

Please give us the first page of the book.

The body rested where she fell, and he stared at her, bile rising in his throat. Why wouldn’t she listen? In the adjoining room, a jagged piece of a china cup sported an unbroken pink rose, smirking up at him, taunting in its simplicity. He ground it under his heel, and wiped the dust on the rug. Everything had to be perfect, nothing could be left here to identify him. He itched to leave, jumping out of his skin, but haste now would prove disastrous.

A thud echoed through the house. He froze, his heartbeat elevating. Was someone upstairs? There couldn’t be. His palms began to sweat. Maybe it came from outside. If someone was up there, they would have peeked down the stairs by now, it was human nature. Which meant they could identify him. With a shaky hand he grabbed a knife, and started for the stairs. Only one way to be sure.

Footsteps tromped on the wooden front porch. He jumped, knocking against a chair. Cursing under his breath, he positioned the knife handle in his closed fist, an extension of his hand. Why hadn’t she told him she was expecting company? The visitor fumbled around until the doorbell rang. Maybe they’d go away. Or if someone was on the floor above, it would draw them out. Either way, he couldn’t risk any witnesses.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My blog, An Encouraging Word can be found at www.cewaterman.com

Facebook – www.facebook.com/chriswaterman.547

Thank you, C E, for sharing this book with me and my blog readers. I love reading mysteries and suspense novels, too.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Deadly Diaries - Paperback
Deadly Diaries (Pinion Creek) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com